Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of recommendations in the Obesity Task Force report which have been implemented; the plans she has to implement the outstanding recommendations and the timetable involved; the plans she has to establish multidisciplinary teams to manage obesity in each Health Service Executive region; the possible locations of same; the projected timeline of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30606/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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An Inter-sectoral Group on Obesity, comprising relevant Government Departments and key stakeholders was established early in 2009 to oversee and monitor implementation of the Taskforce recommendations. The Inter-sectoral Group published a report in April 2009, detailing progress on each of the recommendations.

The examination by the Group has shown that significant progress had been made in the case of 30 of the recommendations (32%), partial implementation had occurred on 29 (31%), action was progressing on 26 (28%), while no progress is reported on 8 (9%) of the recommendations.

The Report indicated that while significant progress has been made across all sectors, there is a continuing need for concerted action in order to halt the rise in obesity. The Group also gave some consideration to key priority areas for action in the medium term.

The overriding concern of the Group was of the need for concerted Government action, driven at the highest level, to ensure a consistent approach to the implementation of the National Task Force on Obesity's recommendations.

Among the areas highlighted were measures to increase physical activity among children; continued awareness programmes on the dangers of excessive consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt; increased control on advertising and marketing of food and drinks aimed at children; improved training for health professionals in obesity prevention and diagnosing and counselling those at risk of obesity.

Since the April 2009 report, a significant development has been the publication in June 2009 of the first National Guidelines on Physical Activity and accompanying "Get Ireland Active" website. Based on best international practice, the guidelines specify the recommended levels of daily physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.

The work of the Inter-sectoral Group on Obesity is currently being examined in the context of a wider review of the policy in relation to life-style illnesses to which obesity is a major contributory factor.

A multidisciplinary team to manage obesity has been established and is operational in St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown. A multidisciplinary team has been established in Galway University Hospital, where a consultant will take up the post in September this year. Progress has been made on the establishment of a multidisciplinary team in Cork and funding has been allocated. The National Weight Management Group was established in April this year. Among the group's priorities is progressing the development of a National Paediatric Unit for Obesity.